Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) of the Nigerian Army, North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of approximately 20 terrorists. The insurgents were neutralized during recent operations within the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State.
This was disclosed in a statement released Wednesday by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK.
According to Uba, the discovery reflects the heavy toll military operations are taking on terrorist ranks.
“In a further indication of the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts.
“This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” Uba said.
Highlighting recent operational successes, the statement confirmed that troops have successfully secured key locations within the Timbuktu Triangle. Following intense engagements with fleeing terrorist elements, the OPHK forces utilized overwhelming firepower to neutralize several insurgents across the Tergejeri and Ajigin/Abirma sectors
“On Tuesday, while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered II Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED). Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised.
“The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms. In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries.
“The wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces neutralising more terrorists in the process,” Uba added.
According to Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Spokesman for Operation HADARIN DAJI, Sector 2 troops recorded significant gains by neutralizing two terrorists in Kebbi and securing the release of 62 captives in Zamfara. These operations, executed in coordination with local vigilantes and allied forces, underscore the military’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in the fight against insurgency.
“In Zamfara, troops in a separate operation stormed Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti, following an intelligence report that the notorious bandit leader had held some captives’ hostage.
“The mission led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody. Efforts are ongoing to reunite the freed hostages with their families
“These operations underscore the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle terrorist networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region,” Osoba said.
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